NFL Playoff Droughts

Climate change is a hot-button topic lately.  Although controversial, science shows that rising CO₂ levels in the atmosphere are adding to the greenhouse effect.  Not only is this causing global warming, but also is attributable to violent storms, more frequent flooding, and extreme drought.  If we are smart, we will do what we can to reverse the damage.  We may have a difficult struggle ahead of us.

NFL franchises face a similar challenge.  Some teams have suffered through years of playoff drought.  Their fans are parched.  They ache for a cool drink of playoff water, and dream of following the lush, heavenly river that leads to the Super Bowl.  Management works hard trying to change the losing climate of their football club.

Teams that have enjoyed recent playoff success face similar struggles.  They know too well that they sit in a precarious position.  Without careful and constant effort, other teams are poised to displace them from their playoff oasis.  Like the weather, the NFL climate is in constant flux.  Today’s playoff success may simply be the last cool rain preceding a devastating drought.

So how do the NFL teams stack up in terms of recent playoff success?  Which franchises are well hydrated and refreshed, and which are dry, parched, and suffering?  Here’s how the 32 NFL teams stack up.  The first number in the charts below indicates how long it’s been since each team has made/missed the playoffs.  The second number shows how many times each team has qualified for the playoffs over the past 15 seasons.

Lush Paradise

Green Abundance

Hot and Dry

Parched Desert

Full-On Drought

Hell On Earth